Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed confidence that the political challenges faced by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara will strengthen his leadership skills, describing the ongoing struggles as a pathway to becoming a “General in politics.”
Jonathan made this statement during the 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art, and Culture Exhibition, held in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, on Sunday. The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the coronation of Eze Ken O. Nwala as the Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo-Umuselem.
At the ceremony, Governor Fubara was honored with the chieftaincy title Dike Oha 1 of Etche Land, while Jonathan was conferred with the title Eze Udo 1 of Etche Land.
Addressing the gathering, Jonathan encouraged Fubara to remain steadfast despite political antagonism, stating, “I know you are passing through challenges… But this is your first time holding a top political office. Nobody becomes a General without fighting wars. Whatever challenges you are meeting now is baking you to be a General in politics.”
Fubara has been embroiled in a political crisis with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which has led to a factionalized State House of Assembly, impeachment attempts, and occasional violence.
Jonathan urged the people of Rivers State to support Fubara, emphasizing the state’s strategic importance. “We want a peaceful Rivers State because Rivers is the centre of the Niger Delta. If we create serious perturbation in Rivers, we are creating a crisis in the Niger Delta, which is not good for our economy as a nation.”
He further noted, “In political office, we have tenures. We don’t need to kill ourselves over any political office. Allow those who are there to do their work, and after that, another person will take over.”
Governor Fubara expressed gratitude for the support and recognition, vowing to continue implementing projects and initiatives to improve the lives of Rivers residents. He praised Jonathan’s humility, saying, “He has stood with me in this most difficult period of our administration.”
The event highlighted the cultural and agricultural richness of Etche, with Jonathan lauding Eze Nwala’s leadership and the community’s farming prowess.
